All posts by Rathnathilaga Melapavoor

As we mark the 10th anniversary of Experian’s U.S. Identity & Fraud Report, the fraud landscape is more complex and fast moving than ever. As fraud accelerates, businesses must not only defend against today’s threats but also prepare for what’s next. We’re committed to helping businesses stay ahead of these challenges. Our latest report offers a comprehensive look at how businesses and consumers are navigating this shifting landscape. Key findings include: Companies are using AI to combat fraud: over a third of companies say they are using AI, including generative AI, to fight fraud. And 72% of business leaders expect AI-generated fraud and deepfakes to be major challenges in 2026. Consumers are skeptical of AI: less than 1 in 4 report interacting with AI-driven tools like chatbots, and just 18% completely trust these tools. Fraud losses are rising: nearly 60% of companies reported an increase in their fraud losses year-over-year, with identity theft, transactional payment fraud, account takeover, peer-to-peer payment scams and first-party fraud identified as the top events experienced last year.    Digital anxiety persists: 57% of consumers are still concerned about doing things online, and their top fears include identity theft, stolen credit card information, online privacy, fake/phishing emails, messages or phone scams, and false information. There’s still a trust gap: while 85% of businesses believe their fraud controls align with consumer expectations, less than half of people are highly trusting of companies to address their concerns online. These findings underscore the need for businesses to reassess their fraud prevention strategies to close gaps, adapt to emerging threats, and align with consumer expectations. As a global leader in identity verification and fraud prevention, we harness the power of data, advanced analytics, and innovative technology to help our clients reduce risk, protect their customers and foster trust.  👉 Explore Experian’s fraud prevention solutions here. 👉 Read the full 2025 Identity & Fraud Report here.

With great pride, we are pleased to share that Disability:IN has recognized Experian as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion in three global regions. The company earned Top Scores in the Disability Index® in the United States for the fourth consecutive year; the United Kingdom for the second year; and, for the first time, in Brazil. The Disability Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors. Across the globe, one in six people – or 16% of the population – identify as part of the disability community. At some point in our lives, we or someone we know will be part of this community. Experian’s Barrier Free Workplace Initiative facilitates an inclusive culture across our regions. As an example, our new office in Brazil features tactile and warning flooring, Braille identification, and equipment designed to accommodate all. In India, we've built in accessibility with wheelchair-friendly design, lifts, Braille signage, and quiet zones to support neurodiverse colleagues. The Experian Support Hub empowers disabled people and those with access needs in the United Kingdom to share their requirements with lots of organisations in one simple process, helping them get the support they need. In the U.S., our teammates participated in the Disability:IN annual conference, learning and sharing best practices for inclusion and accessibility. Being recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion represents our ongoing commitment to accessibility, and promoting spaces where each person feels valued and has opportunities to grow and thrive. Learn more in our 2025 Power of YOU Reports: English  |  Portuguese  |  Spanish

At Experian, we’ve always believed that smarter decisions start with smarter tools. That belief has just been recognized on a global stage. We’re incredibly proud to share that Experian Assistant, our AI-powered, agentic virtual assistant, has been awarded the 2025 Globee® Award for Technology in the Enterprise Artificial Intelligence Solutions category. This award isn’t just about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s a testament to how we are helping financial institutions around the world build smarter, faster, and more transparent models that make a real impact — for businesses and consumers alike. Trusted by Global Leaders The capabilities of Experian Assistant are powerful on their own, but when paired with the Ascend Platform, they become transformative. A recent Forrester study showed that organizations using Ascend realized a 183% return on investment, paying for itself in less than a year. Experian Assistant deepens that impact by guiding users through best practices in data science and analytics. It empowers teams — regardless of technical expertise — to build robust, explainable models that expand access to credit and drive more inclusive decisioning. Recognition That Reflects Real-World Impact The Globee® Awards for Technology are among the most respected in the industry, receiving nearly 2,000 nominations from companies worldwide this year. Winners are selected solely based on merit, scored independently by a panel of judges who evaluate each nominee’s innovation, impact, and execution. To be honored in this year’s awards is incredibly meaningful — not just for our team, but for our clients and partners who are using Experian Assistant to make smarter decisions every day. The Journey Ahead As proud as we are of this moment, we’re even more excited about what comes next. We’re focused on one thing: helping our clients innovate faster, act smarter, and drive better outcomes for the people they serve.

At Experian, we’re advancing our cloud-first strategy by expanding our use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deliver faster, more scalable, and secure solutions. This move strengthens our ability to provide clients with real-time intelligence and deeper insights, while enhancing the performance and reliability of our platforms. By transitioning from mainframe systems and consolidating our infrastructure in the cloud, we’re creating a more agile and centralized technology environment. This shift allows us to respond more quickly to evolving client needs and unlock new opportunities for innovation. A major focus of this transformation is Experian’s investment in generative AI. Over the next decade, we’re developing more than 100 generative AI use cases that will streamline operations, automate complex data migrations, and power new credit and financial analytics offerings. Rodrigo Rodrigues, Chief Technology Officer at Experian, adds, “Having our data readily available in the cloud sets us up to invest in new capabilities like generative AI and advance products and solutions for our clients with proven security.” With AWS’s advanced infrastructure and security capabilities, we’re reinforcing our commitment to data protection, compliance, and innovation. This evolution is about more than technology—it’s about creating smarter, faster, and more secure experiences for the businesses and consumers we serve.

Every day, people make responsible financial choices, including paying rent, managing bills and saving for the future. These choices are reflected in a consumer’s bank account, but in many cases, this information isn’t factored into lending decisions. If it were, these insights could help millions of consumers with limited credit histories, including those who are just starting out, new to the country or rebuilding after a setback, gain access to fair and affordable credit.   We have long recognized this gap and it’s our mission at Experian to help close it. This is why we’ve championed the use of expanded data sets, including cashflow insights, to help bring more consumers into the mainstream credit ecosystem.   As part of this, today we’ve reached an exciting milestone as we announce a new collaboration and integration with Plaid, a leading financial data network that’s used by one in two U.S. bank account holders. Together, we’re helping lenders leverage cashflow insights with speed and simplicity to assess risk more effectively and deliver better outcomes for consumers.  Through our new integration, we’re helping our clients accelerate the adoption of cashflow insights alongside our trusted, core credit data to drive faster decisions, stronger portfolios, and new financial opportunities for consumers.   Why this matters  Put yourself in the shoes of a young adult who just graduated from college and landed their first job. They’re responsible with their money, pay rent and utilities on time, and have started saving. But when they apply for their first credit card, they’re denied — not because they’re a risk, but because they don’t have enough credit history to show they’re not.   With this new integration, this consumer’s story, and countless others like it, can have a different ending.   When this consumer consents to share their bank account data during an application for a credit card, personal loan, auto loan, or other credit product, Plaid generates a Consumer Report on their behalf and securely delivers that information to Experian via a seamless integration. We analyze the information and return a Cashflow Score or predictive Cashflow Attributes, which can provide up to a 25% lift in predictive performance, to the lender in real time.   This information gives our clients a clearer, more accurate view of the applicant’s financial behavior, ultimately giving millions of consumers who are excluded from the mainstream financial ecosystem a fair shot at the credit they deserve.   Looking ahead  This collaboration is about giving consumers more control over their financial futures. It’s about helping lenders make smarter decisions. And it’s about building a system that works better for everyone.  By working with Plaid, we’re not just improving credit decisions. We’re expanding what’s possible for millions of people.  Learn more about our work with Plaid.

A recent commissioned independent study by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Experian reveals that the Experian Ascend Platform™ delivered a significant 183% return on investment (ROI) and achieved payback within 12 months for a composite organization representative of interviewed customers. The Total Economic Impact™ study highlights the platform's transformative impact on credit and fraud decisioning, providing a clear financial framework for institutions evaluating next-gen data and analytics solutions. Before implementing Ascend, many institutions relied on fragmented, manual-heavy systems that slowed decisions and increased fraud risk. After adopting the platform, customers reported streamlined operations, faster response times, improved data quality, and reduced default costs. Hosted in a secure hybrid-cloud environment, the Ascend Platform equips institutions with advanced analytics and real-time decisioning capabilities across the credit lifecycle. It empowers lenders to adapt quickly to changing market conditions while improving both compliance and customer experience. Additional benefits cited by users include reduced risk at origination, better audit outcomes, and sustainability gains through less physical documentation. The study compiled insights from decision-makers across the U.S., U.K., Brazil, and South Africa-painting a global picture of how Ascend enables smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and measurable business growth. Learn more about the impact of the Experian Ascend Platform.

Experian is evolving — and it’s not just a shift in how we show up to consumers, it’s a transformation in how we think about our role in people’s lives. We’re entering a new era, and I want to share what that means for us and the millions of consumers we serve. For years, we’ve been known as a credit bureau. And while that legacy is something to be proud of, it’s only part of our story. Today, we are so much more. Experian delivers a robust consumer financial platform that empowers people to take control of their financial lives and realize their financial dreams. Meet Experian, your BFF We’ve built tools that help people compare auto insurance[i], potentially lower their bills[ii], find the right credit cards, and make smarter financial decisions. But here’s the challenge: many consumers might not know the full extent of what we offer and how we can help them. That’s why we’re launching a bold new brand campaign that brings our mission of Financial Power to All™ to life in a different way. In a multi-dimensional campaign, actor Sam Richardson steps into the role of a consumer’s Big Financial Friend or “BFF,” a larger-than-life character who helps people navigate their financial journeys. With this new campaign – Experian’s first brand re-do since 2016 – we are bringing fresh creative and messaging to consumers to create more awareness about how Experian has their back and can help them throughout their financial lives. It’s important for consumers to have a knowledgeable financial partner they can rely on as they navigate their financial journeys, and we want to be their “BFF” no matter where they are on that journey. We know that many people are facing financial uncertainty right now, like rising costs, economic volatility, and growing anxiety about the future. That’s why our mission matters more than ever. Financial Power to All™ isn’t a tagline. It’s a commitment  that we will continue to build tools, share knowledge, and create access for everyone, no matter where they are in their financial journey. We have the data, the technology, and the people to make a real difference. This campaign is just the beginning. See our first commercial below: [i] Results will vary and some may not see savings. Average savings of $1,137 per year for customers who switched multiple policies and saved with Experian from Jan. 1, 2022 to Mar. 31, 2024. Savings based on customers’ self-reported prior premium. [ii] Results will vary. Not all subscriptions are eligible, savings are not guaranteed, and some may not see savings. Experian members for whom Experian canceled at least one subscription averaged $270/year of anticipated savings. Available with eligible paid memberships and requires connecting payment account(s) to Experian account.

Almost three years ago, generative AI made its mainstream debut, and its rapid evolution since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. The pace of innovation has propelled generative AI far beyond its initial capabilities, transforming industries and redefining possibilities. At Experian, we've been harnessing the power of AI and machine learning for over a decade. As early adopters of generative AI, we have witnessed firsthand not only how it has evolved but also the transformative impact it can have on an organization. I recently had the privilege of delivering a keynote at Octane’s Women Leaders of Octane Forum during OC Innovation Week. During my talk, I shared key lessons from being on the frontlines of innovation fueled by generative AI. My three takeaways include: Staying Ahead in GenAI Adoption: As we all know, generative AI is advancing rapidly. Organizations that delay adoption risk falling behind their competitors and stifling creativity and opportunity. It's essential to stay informed about the latest advancements and be proactive in integrating AI into your operations in an ethical and compliant way. Navigating Challenges in GenAI Implementation: From navigating evolving regulations and addressing employee concerns about using AI tools to ensuring responsible usage and addressing AI-powered fraud, there are numerous challenges to tackle when adopting AI in the workplace. It's vital to understand these issues and develop strategies to counter them effectively. How GenAI Enhances Workplace Creativity: As generative AI becomes more integrated into employees’ everyday work lives, there is a concern that it might make some roles redundant. However, generative AI actually frees up more time for employees, allowing them to focus on creative and strategic tasks. This can empower them to achieve new levels of innovation and excellence in their work. We can see the significant impact generative AI has had at Experian by the innovative products and solutions we've developed over the years. Take, for example, Experian Assistant, a generative AI-driven solution designed to dramatically accelerate data modeling lifecycles, reducing model development time from months to days, and sometimes mere hours. This advancement enables faster, more efficient data analytics and insights. Additionally, our Innovation Lab, which recently celebrated 15 years of driving technological transformation, continues to leverage data and AI-driven solutions to push the boundaries of what's possible. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of generative AI, it's clear that the journey is just beginning. At Experian, we remain committed to championing a culture of collaboration and fostering innovation in order to pioneer new AI-powered solutions that create opportunities that drive transformative change.

April is Financial Literacy Month, but for college students, money is top of mind all year round. A national survey shows that almost 80% of students are experiencing a negative impact on their mental health because of financial stress. Those concerns lead 59% of them to consider dropping out of school. This underscores the importance of normalizing and modernizing conversations around money and credit. Experian is proud to lead the way through partnerships with HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement®. In addition to creating the Credit Academy for college students, we hold the #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know), which gives students the opportunity to earn scholarships and address how to share their knowledge with their peers and communities. We asked some recent #IYKYK Pitch Competition scholars what they found to be the most surprising as they’re learning about credit and finances: Remi Ore, Fisk University Forty-two percent of people are credit invisible in the U.S. and that's interesting. Credit actually shapes their life and their future. They're expected to build a future on top of a system like this, and yet they're invisible to that system. How are they supposed to move forward from there? How are they supposed to get mortgages, own homes, get good jobs, and impact the community as well? That is one thing that was very surprising to me going through this journey. Sovit Lekhak, Fisk University Growing up I had a rough patch in my childhood where my family struggled with gambling addiction and financial problems. So, I was always scared of getting credit. I was scared of loans, and I was scared of paying them back. When I took Experian’s Credit Academy, I realized that getting credit is not always bad and it's actually even necessary just to build up that profile, and that reference for the future. I think that mindset switch has opened a whole new world to me. Ayo Oyeniyi, Talladega College It was surprising to hear that when you're done with a credit card, you don't have to destroy it. You shouldn't do that. That was shocking because typically when you're done with stuff, you throw it away. But that was surprising that you have to keep it, because destroying it would affect your credit mix. That would affect your credit score. Izu Mba, Talladega College The fact that essentially credit is good. Growing up, owing money was not good in any form. So that whole idea of being able to owe to own is such a beautiful concept for me that I learned. Lakayla Chapman, Bowie State University One thing that learned and found surprising was that credit is not always a bad thing. Growing up, my mom has been really in my ear about credit. The way she came at it was that credit is a bad thing, ‘Don't get loans, don't do this, don't do that.’ But I'm taking in the information that credit is not always bad. Credit can make you who you can be in the future. Aissata Sy, Bowie State University One of the shockers for me is when I learned that people our age, young adults, 18 to 24, a lot of them don't know how to check their credit score or know where to go (to find out). Having that tool is very important. You could just be freewheeling down here and not know what your score is, and then you go to buy your car, they check your score and it's like, ‘Oh.’ And you didn't know. So, checking that and keeping up with that is very, very important to know where you stand.